Is Quakerism Current? An Examination of GFU’s Christian Identity

George Fox University (GFU) traces its origins to the Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers, founded by George Fox in 1624. This year marks the 400th anniversary of Fox’s birth, a milestone that prompts reflection on the evolving identity of Quakerism and its presence within GFU. The Quaker movement, established in 1647, emerged as a distinct religious group that emphasized the inner light of God within each person and rejected hierarchical structures in worship and practice. Throughout history, Quakers have been associated with values such as equality, justice, and peacemaking, and they played significant roles in advocating for Native American rights, opposing slavery, and supporting women’s rights in colonial America and beyond.

Today, the Quaker tradition is divided into two main branches: one more secular or interfaith-oriented, and another that emphasizes Christian scripture. This division can be traced back to 1827, when Elias Hicks separated from mainstream Quakerism, leading to the formation of the Hicksite movement. His followers eventually established the Friends General Conference, while the remaining Quakers formed the Orthodox Friends United Conference, which later became Friends United Meeting. GFU is affiliated with the Northwest Yearly Quaker Meeting, which represents approximately 3,000 members in the Pacific Northwest and is part of Evangelical Friends International.

During the “Third Great Awakening,” a Christian revival movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Quakers from the central United States migrated to the Pacific Northwest. In 1891, GFU was founded as a Quaker institution. However, Paul Anderson, a professor of Biblical and Quaker studies at GFU, noted that “from day one, there have never been enough Quakers in the area to populate an entire institution.” Instead, the university has focused on providing a Christ-centered education to a broader audience.

In the 1950s, the university changed its name from Friends Pacific University to George Fox University, maintaining its Quaker heritage while expanding its reach. As the student body has grown over the decades, Quaker students have become a small minority on campus. Jay Miller, a professor in the English and Honors Programs at GFU, grew up attending the Newberg Friends Church and earned his bachelor’s degree from the university in 2011. He observed that Quaker identity at GFU has evolved over the past decade, with the number of Quaker students remaining relatively low.

The university’s mission reflects a broader commitment to spiritual and ethical development, rooted in Quaker principles. While the Quaker community continues to face challenges in maintaining its traditional identity in a rapidly changing world, GFU remains a testament to the enduring influence of Quaker values in education and public life. As the movement adapts, it seeks to balance its historical legacy with contemporary needs, guided by the principles of peace, justice, and faith. Micah 6:8 reminds us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God—a call that resonates with the Quaker tradition’s enduring vision.

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